The All-Around Horse and Rider

Rating:
Summary: Novice Adult Rider
Review: I have found AAH&R very useful. It contains information I wish I'd had when I was first selecting an instructor and thinking about what style/approach to riding I wanted to pursue. Now that I have found an instructor and approach that work for me, I can appreciate the wisdom and clarity of this book and know that it will help me continue to enjoy riding safely, with realistic expectations and goals. My instructor, who has ridden and competed virtually all of her life, was impressed by AAH&R as well.

Rating:
Summary: A *Must Have* for the Potential or First Year horse owner !
Review: Ms Snyder-Smith covers an amazing range of information clearly and concisely. This book is a wonderful resource I recommend without hesitation for anyone who is considering taking lessons, or shopping for their first horse. While it is geared to the new horse owner, it's full of information that even the most experienced owners and riders will find valuable.

The photos and illustrations have clear 'before' and 'after', 'right' and 'wrong' examples, the language is conversational and easy to understand without being simplistic. The 'Did You Know' boxes and Pop Quizzes are clear, pointed, and friendly.

I especially like the questionnaires and check lists on evaluating professionals in the industry. Farriers, vets, riding instructors, trainers, and even tack shops. I know the beginning horseman is often lost in these areas and at the mercy of shysters or incompetents. As a lifelong horseman, it is heartbreaking to see, over and again, the excitement of that first horse turn into frustration and anger as the owner realizes the horse is not suitable, possibly dangerous and in many cases not even ridable. Ms Snyder-Smith offers the reader specific points to look for, either to embrace or avoid, giving those new to the industry the ability to make informed decisions with her evaluations and questionnaires.